Westpac’s Online Safety Tips

In today’s digital age, online scams have become increasingly prevalent, affecting customers on various online platforms.
Westpac, a prominent Australian financial institution, is dedicated to assisting you in ensuring your safety during online transactions.
Here are some valuable tips to help you stay secure.

Recognizing Common Scam Tactics

Online scammers are continually evolving their techniques to deceive unsuspecting buyers and sellers. It’s essential to be aware of these common tactics:

For Buyers: Scams often target buyers by offering non-existent products or services. To protect yourself:

• Exercise caution when dealing with sellers who demand full upfront payments or request payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

For Sellers: Sellers can also fall victim to scams. Scammers may falsely claim to have overpaid and seek refunds or reimbursements for non-existent expenses. Be vigilant when dealing with such situations.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Westpac provides valuable recommendations to help you ensure your online safety while buying or selling:

1. Scrutinize the Seller’s Profile: Before making a purchase, carefully review the seller’s online profile. Be cautious of newly created profiles or those lacking reviews. When meeting in person, opt for public locations and consider bringing a trusted companion.
2. Utilize Secure Payment Services: Westpac recommends the use of secure payment services like PayID®. This service allows you to verify the payee’s identity on your screen before finalizing a transaction. Additionally, you can receive payments without sharing your BSB and bank account number.
3. Confirm Payment: Always confirm that payment has been successfully deposited into your account before sending the purchased item. Relying solely on payment confirmation screenshots can be risky, as they can be manipulated.
4. Protect Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, including bank account details or passwords. Beware of suspicious links or email and text message attachments, as they can be used to access your private information.

By following these recommendations and making use of the available security measures, you’ll strengthen your confidence and security when engaging in online transactions.
These measures serve to protect your financial well-being and contribute to a safer online experience for all users.